Description
Fruit Pizza Cookies are delightful sugar cookie bases topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting and an assortment of fresh, vibrant fruits. This easy-to-make dessert captures the essence of a classic fruit pizza in a portable cookie form, perfect for summer parties or anytime you want a colorful and tasty treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups assorted fresh fruit (such as sliced strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, raspberries, mandarin oranges)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a tender cookie texture.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar, combining fully for even flavor distribution.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning throughout the flour.
- Form the Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can toughen cookies.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with your fingers or a spatula to ensure even baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents the frosting from melting upon application.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is creamy and free of lumps.
- Assemble the Fruit Pizza Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over each cookie. Top with an assortment of fresh fruit slices to add color, flavor, and a refreshing contrast.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness, or refrigerate assembled cookies until ready to serve. To keep cookies from becoming soggy, add fruit toppings just before serving if storing cookies unfrosted.
Notes
- Add fruit toppings just before serving to prevent cookies from becoming soggy.
- Use a variety of colorful fresh fruits for an appealing and vibrant presentation.
- Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days and assemble with frosting and fruit before serving.
